The Official (only!) Newspaper of The Red River Gorge Vol. 6 No. 6 Adventure ~ Relaxation ~ Accommodations ~ Awe Inspiring Natural Beauty ~ Friendly People
August 2026
AFRICA’S “GIFT” TO US Now that you are here, a little about the Red River Gorge. Those who would know tell us Gorge history dates Lunch & Adult Beverages Nutritious Smoothies back more than four hundred million years. That’s Homemade Bakery Goods when the evidence of geological movement indicates Africa slammed Just off Slade Exit 33 South into North America buckling the earth and created the Appalachian 769 Natural Bridge Rd. KY Hwy 11 Mountains. For which we feel forever indebted to Africa! 606-663-2549 Millions of years later sediment washed down from Pennsylvania and Do you need breakfast, lunch or alco- formed the sandstone that is the defining feature of the Gorge cliffs. hol?? Come visit Daniel Boone Coffee These cliffs are unique and are the reason the Gorge is one of the most Shop and Daniel Boone Liquors in highly regarded areas for climbing with 3,000+ clifflines in the Daniel Slade. Open daily and offering vari- Boone National Forest alone. ety of coffee drinks, smoothies, break- Just after the glacier retreated about 12,000 years ago, people moved into fast options, homemade baked goods, the Gorge. Those people are known to archeologists as the Paleo Indians. panini's and wraps for lunch. You can At that time, the weather was cooler and the Gorge was mostly covered browse for souvenirs, shirts, hoodies with evergreens. Wooly mammoths, giant bison and mastodons were and camping supplies too. We also plentiful and hunted by these early people using only spears tipped with highlight local crafts with various cool stone points and by stampeding those large beasts over cliffs. items. So there are plenty of items to These and later groups of ancient people had the gorge to themselves for choose from. about ten thousand years. Around four hundred years ago, they began This Fall visit the new open air deck trading with Europeans and 100 years later the area became the state of and enjoy a cold one. Stop in after Kentucky. Three hundred years after that we arrived. your hike for a "Black & Bourbon", "Kentucky Mule", "Bloody Mary" or After about twenty years of developing the (almost) perfect vacation descold beer of your choice. Don't have tination, here you all are experiencing one of the fastest growing, most time to sip a cold one ? No problem, exciting vacations spots in the Eastern USA. And we’re not done yet! take a bottle from our Daniel Boone So, get out there and experience the joy of the Gorge. Take a hike, climb Liquor Store back to the cabin and en- a cliff, Zip through the beautiful forests, tour the Underground, grill joy your own party! Need a place to some burgers, whatever. Don’t miss this opportunity to appreciate one of stay? Check the office at Scenic Cabin Nature’s finest examples of her best work. Rentals, located within the Daniel While you and your family are enjoying this handiwork, remember there Boone Coffee Shop. They offer many will be others to follow and they too would love to experience the Gorge cabins in all sizes, a motel and a camp- in it’s natural and as pristine state as did you. The rule is simple, leave ground with full hook ups for RV's or nothing behind except footprints (And please, leave those only on desigprimitive camping for tents. Scenic nated trails). Take nothing but photographs and pleasant memories. Cabin Rentals is a family owned busiJerry Ison “Ya’ll come back, now!” ness operating for over 20 years.
HELPFUL WEBSITES & PHONE NUMBERS State, County & City Facilities The official Red River Gorge Newsletter
Publisher Jenny Ison Editor Jerry Ison Contributors Sally Cox Jerry Ison Nancy Hamann
Graphics Ingrid Miller Red River Gorge Earth Shop
We gratefully acknowledge the information and assistance by the State of Kentucky Parks Department and the staff of the Natural Bridge State Park. The Gorge Gazette is published monthly except January and February for entertainment of Red River Gorge Guests, Owners, Visitors, Staff, Tourists and Friends. All contents including ads are copyrighted by Jerry Ison/Jay Eye Communications Talbott, TN 37877 Distributed free of charge
courtesy of our advertisers!
Natural Bridge State Resort Park General Information 606.663-2214 or 1-800-325-1710 (reservations) 2135 Natural Bridge Rd. Slade, KY 40376 Trail map & descriptions, park laws and regulations, lodging, camping, group meeting facilities, group programs "Natural Bridge State Resort Park is hiking, arches, exploring, scenery, reflection, and making memories." www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb Kentucky State Nature Preserve Commission www.naturepreserves.ky.gov Red River Gorge National Geological Area 606) 663-8100 www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/cumberland/redriver_gorge.shtml Gladie Cultural-Environmental Learning Center 606.663-8100 www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/cumberland/gladie.shtml Red River Gorge Trail Crew (Volunteers) www.RRGTC.com Leave No Trace – Outdoor Ethics www.lnt.org Kentucky State Parks - Create your own Experience. www.parks.ky.gov Become a KYSP fan at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kentucky-State-Parks/152588316577 Lee County Tourism Commision Dedra Brandenburg Director 606.464.5038 www.visitleecountyky.com
Private Facilities Cliffview Resort & Cliffview Retreat 606.668.6222 www.cliffviewresort.com 455 Cliff View Road, Campton, KY 41031 The Lodge, The Retreat and Lakeside Lodges are available for groups, weddings and retreats. Also available is the 8,000 sq foot Reception Hall
Red River Gorge Zip Lines 855.ZIP.TOUR 855.947.8687 606.668.6222 www.redrivergorgezipline.com Scenic Cabin Rentals 606.663.0000 www.sceniccabin.com Black Bear Lodge Motel 606.663.0061 Red River Gorge Cabin Rentals 844.692.2246 www.redrivergorgecabinrentals.com The Gorge Underground 844.254.6244 Thrillsville.org The Red River Inn On Parkway, Campton The Gorge Gazette Jenny or Jerry Ison 865.674.6740 Email stories, ideas, suggestions, news to: jerrywrison@gmail.com
Let Us Build the Log Home of Your Dreams! We Have Cabins & Lots For Sale. We Offer Project Management From the Ground Up
Lunch & Adult Beverages
Call: Jim 606.362.2615 Brendan 513.628.1295
769 Natural Bridge Rd. KY Hwy 11
redrivergorgevacations.com
606-663-2549
Nutritious Smoothies Homemade Bakery Goods Just off Slade Exit 33 South
Things To Do, Places To Visit, Where To Eat In The Red River Gorge • • • • • •
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Red River Gorge Earth Shop Local Art gallery & Gift Shop 606.668.5228 Nat Bridge Rd. Slade Red River Climbing Guides where “Your Adventure Awaits!” Catering to all ages and experience levels. Visit: RedRiverClimbingGuides.com or call 629.207.0697 HillTop Pizza: Pizza, Salads, Subs, Spaghetti, Lasagna. Delivery to Cliffview available. 606.464.9990 2034 Hwy 11N Beattyville. Daniel Boone Coffee Shoppe & Deli: Gourmet Coffees, Deli Foods, Camping Supplies 606-663-2549 Natural Bridge Road (KY Rt. 11) near Slade Exit 33 Gorge Underground: A Unique Waterborne Family Adventure On The Water, Underground! Kayak and Pontoon Boat Tours 844-254-6244 Thegorgeunderground.com Natural Bridge State Park, Lodge & Sky Lift: Camping, Hiking, Rooms, Fine Dining parks.ky.gov/resortparks/nb/index.htm Mill Creek Lake: Kayak & SUP Rentals 859.300.1330 Red River General Store: Hand Dipped Ice Cream, Hoodies, Gifts, Camping Supplies, T-Shirts Fudge, Local Artisan Crafts 1321 Natural Bridge Road (KY Rt. 11) Slade, KY 606.663.885 Daniel Boone Liquor: 606-663-2549; Natural Bridge Rd (KY Rt 11) Red River Gorge Hiking, Rock Climbing: fs.fed.us/r8/boone/ Red River Adventure: Kayaking and Canoeing redriveradventure.net 606-663-1012 Via Ferrata Rock Climbing Park: Great for beginners 606-668-6441 torrentfalls.com Mr. Ed’s Hot Dogs Great Hot Dogs smothered with Famous Chili Sauce 209 N. Main Stanton, KY 606.569.8170 Check us on Facebook The Well Beattyville’s only liquor store selling Liquor, Beer & Wine Come down and sip a glass sitting on the patio watching the Kentucky River flow. On rte 52 Beattyville 606.208.8017 tony@theboneyardwell.com Beech Fork Golf Club: In Clay City - 606-663-9479 Sag Hollow Golf Course: In Booneville 606-593-4653 Beattyville Public Golf Course: Off Rt. 52 in Beattyville, KY 606.356.4199
If a Holiday Party, any Party, Family Reunion, Corporate Meeting, Church Retreat or Wedding is on your to-do list, go ahead and check it off. We have the perfect solution to party planning from catering to lodging to activities. The Lodge at Cliffview will sleep 64. The 7000 square foot Reception/Activity Center seats up to 250 and has a fully equipped commercial grade kitchen. Our newest Lodges, the Retreat and Lakeside will each sleep up to 50. Both have double appliances kitchens and technically compatible theater style media rooms.
Call: 606.668.6222 for details.
Indian Creek Lodge: A Private Ridge-Top Escape Tony Charles
Indian Creek Lodge offers true privacy, remarkable scenery, and enough space for the entire family. Managed by Red River Gorge Cabin Rentals, this expansive lodge is located at the very end of a quiet ridge near Frenchburg, Kentucky, overlooking the undeveloped beauty of the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Red River Gorge Geological Area. There is no through traffic passing the property, no nearby commercial development, and no other cabins within eyesight. Guests can experience the peace of a secluded mountain retreat while remaining within convenient driving distance of the region’s most popular destinations. The lodge is especially well suited for family reunions, church retreats, wedding groups, and large gatherings. The three-level lodge sleeps up to 32 guests and has eight private bedrooms, each with its own full bathroom. There are also two large gathering rooms with plenty of space for visiting, games, family activities, or group meetings. The kitchen is set up for feeding a crowd with two stoves, two refrigerators, two microwaves, lots of counter space, and charcoal grills outside. Three covered decks look out over the surrounding hills, woods, valleys, and cliff lines. Guests can relax in one of the two hot tubs, sit around the fire pit, enjoy the sunset, or take in the stars after dark. Inside, the pool table and foosball table are especially nice on rainy days or during a quiet evening at the cabin.
Even though the lodge feels tucked away, many of the area’s best attractions are within about 40 minutes. Guests can visit The Gorge Underground, ride Red River Gorge Zipline, go kayaking with Red River Gorge Kayaking, or enjoy a round at Thrillsville Mini-Golf. There are also miles of hiking trails, dozens of natural sandstone arches, Natural Bridge State Resort Park, and boating, fishing, and swimming at Cave Run Lake. The Red River offers relaxing paddling through beautiful cliff-lined scenery, but heavy rainfall can create dangerous Class II and III rapids in the Upper Gorge. After a day of exploring, guests can stop for a meal at Hungry Hiker Restaurant, La Cabaña Mexican Restaurant, or Cliffview Pies & Pints. The General Store is also a handy place to pick up snacks, drinks, treats, and basic supplies. For shopping, visitors can browse The Earth Shop, The General Store, and the Red River Gorge Gift Shop for souvenirs, gemstones, apparel, artwork, and other reminders of their trip. Indian Creek Lodge gives guests the privacy of a mountain getaway while still keeping them close to the attractions, restaurants, shops, and outdoor beauty that make the Red River Gorge such a special place.
Rentals Available for 1 to 15 Scenic Lots And Vacation Homes for Sale
606.663.0000
Feeling Groovy Sally Cox "Slow down, you move too fast. You've got to make the morning last." Who knew that the poignant lyrics from the 1960's rock duo Simon and Garfunkel would be just as apropos in 2026 as it was 60 years ago. Maybe even more so today. Most of us could benefit from "slowmaxxing", a new buzz word that embraces doing less while prioritizing calm, balance, and meaningful moments. Research suggests that spending just 20 minutes outdoors can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Take a break from technology and reconnect with nature. Step outside, feel the ground beneath you. Barefoot is best but not always practical. The practice of "grounding" aka earthing has grown in popularity from melodramatic social influencers to medical providers. Science experts from the Journal of Environmental Public Health claim that placing your bare feet on natural surfaces like grass, dirt, or sand for a minimum of 10 minutes relieves inflammation, improves sleep, and balances cortisol levels. The earth transmits a negative charge and free electrons that are absorbed into the body neutralizing oxidative stress. As a neighbor of the Daniel Boone National Forest, I engage in daily forest therapy. I often place my hand on a live tree to extract the healing energy and life enriching oxygen it releases. Trees also emit invisible compounds called phytoncides which are absorbed in your lungs and provide immune protection. The Keebler elves had a market on cookies and longevity. Woodland elves are classic nemophilists who love forests for their beauty, peace, and inspiration.
Although fantastical in theory, real science states that the human eye can see more shades of green than any other color. Is that why we're surrounded by forests, moss, grasses, and ferns? An unknown author sagely surmised, "Green is the living room of color. The rest of the colors live in it." Galvanize all your senses on a nature hike and appreciate the symphony of the psithurism in the background. The what?? Psithurism is the sound of wind moving through trees and the rustling of their leaves. Bask in the komorebi spectre of dappled sunlight filtering through the trees while shadows dance on the ground. Komorebi is a lyrical Japanese term that perfectly describes a drive through the Red River Gorge on a late afternoon. Breathe in the mineral rich scent that rises when rain falls onto the dry earth. Referred to as petrichor by naturalists, it is known to create a calming effect on the body. Knowledge of these new-fangled words will elevate you to scrabble champ or nature nerd amongst your peers. With this newly inspired multi sense of mindfulness, go forth and luxuriate in the deep connection you've discovered with your natural surroundings. The ancient Irish Gaelics named this mystical relationship to land, air, and water --tenelach. Or just keep it simple like Simon and Garfunkel and "Let the morning time drop all its petals on me. Life, I love you. All is groovy!" Stay groovy! Sally
Peaceful Living Natural Beauty Lots Now Available Model Homes Opening Soon
Lazenbypreserve.com info@Lazenbypreserve.com
Bluegrass Bits
Wolfe CountyTourism Restaurants & Coffee Shops Mi Finca- 318 Main St, Campton, ~ Kel's Patriot Pizza- 133 KY-15, Campton Dixie Freeze II-194 Main St, Campton ~ Shebrews Coffee Shop-569 KY-15, Campton 145 Roadhouse- 148 Main St, Campton ~ Sky Bridge Station- 8 KY-715, Pine Ridge Hop's- 2613 KY-11, Campton ~ The Wicked Wolfe- 301 Mtn Pkway Spur, Campton Subway- 30 KY-15, Campton ~ Sweet Art by Stephanie- 110 Main St, Campton Dairy Queen- 690 KY-15, Campton ~ Red River Rockhouse- 4000 KY-11, Campton Bites & Bargains- 658 KY-205N, Campton ~ Spanks Franks- 1008 KY-191, Campton The Brick- 5412 KY-15 N, Pine Ridge ~ RedPoint Barbeque- 356 Smith Rd, Campton
Okay, Let’s get to the bottom of this. The Well is the one and only liquor store in Beattyville selling beer, wine and liquor. Located in Beattyville on KY Rte 52 in the Boneyard Building at River’s Edge. Enjoy a peaceful, relaxing eve on the patio sipping a glass of wine watching the river flow.
bryan@theboneyardwell.com